Gum disease is a serious problem that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues. It's critical for you to take steps to prevent gum disease or treat it early if you're already at risk.
Good oral hygiene is essential to good overall health.
Most people know that proper oral hygiene is essential to a healthy smile, but it can also play an important role in your overall health. Untreated gum disease can lead to severe problems, including tooth loss and heart disease.
If you're concerned about gum disease, your dentist might recommend seeing a periodontist—a dental specialist who treats gum disease and other dental-related problems.
Because there are many ways to prevent this condition, here are some tips for maintaining good oral health:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (don't need to rinse after brushing).
Floss once a day.
Reduce or quit smoking (smoking interferes with the healing process). Warning signs of gingivitis include redness or swelling around the gums; bleeding when you brush or floss; bad breath despite brushing regularly.
Preventative dental care like cleanings every six months can help catch early signs of trouble before they become big problems!
Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene and gum disease prevention.
As you know, brushing twice daily and flossing once daily are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene. But did you know that these routines can help you prevent gum disease? It's true!
Brushing your teeth removes plaque, the sticky film that causes cavities and tooth decay if left on your teeth.Cleaning between teeth with dental floss or an interdental brush helps remove food particles that can cause plaque to build up between teeth. If these particles aren't removed, they can lead to gum disease or even periodontitis—which means "inflammation around the tooth" in Latin!
When you brush correctly, you're removing all sorts of gunk from under your gums daily—including dead tissue cells and other junk that might otherwise cause an infection. This allows them room for healthy new tissue growth, so everything stays healthy (and strong!).
Look out for warning signs of gingivitis.
These may include:
Redness or swelling of the gums.
Bleeding gums.
Loose teeth.
Bad breath (halitosis).
Pain when chewing.
You may notice that your teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold foods, sweets, and brushing; this is hypersensitivity and can signify gum disease.
Regularly visiting a periodontist.
Visit your periodontist regularly. A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in gum health, so they're trained to identify and treat gum disease. They can also help you avoid gum disease by providing instructions on how to care for your gums at home and giving advice about what products you should use.
Brush and floss regularly.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste will help remove plaque from your teeth, which makes it less likely that bacteria will grow below the gums, where it's harder to reach them with a toothbrush alone. Flossing once daily between your teeth helps eliminate food particles that might harden into tartar over time if left on their own—and tartar buildup causes inflammation that leads to gum disease.
Regular dental appointments can help prevent gum disease by identifying and treating early warning signs.
It's essential that you regularly visit your dentist, as they can help identify and treat early warning signs of gum disease. As they say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Dental professionals may recommend a professional cleaning every six months while removing plaque and tartar left behind by brushing and flossing at home.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of gum disease, it's also important to talk with your dentist immediately.
Smoking can also increase your risk for gum disease, and it may make the healing process more difficult if you already have it. Smoking can cause gum disease to develop faster and makes treatment harder. If you smoke, quitting is essential for the health of your teeth and gums. Not only does this reduce the risk of gum disease, but the risk of disease in the rest of your body too!
To prevent gum disease, consistently brush and floss, reduce or quit smoking, and get regular dental checkups.
Flossing.
It's a pain in the butt but can save your gums and teeth from much pain later.
Smoking.
If you're smoking, stop! This will not only prevent gum disease but also help prevent lung cancer and other health problems. There's no excuse for continuing this harmful habit—plenty of non-smokers have good oral health!
Dental checkups.
A simple dental exam every six months will ensure that your dentist can catch any potential problems early on and fix them before they become too serious (like root canal surgery). Get yourself in there twice a year so they can do their magic work on keeping those pearly whites clean and healthy!
Conclusion
The best way to prevent and manage gum disease is by practicing good oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day, flossing once at night, and seeing your dentist regularly for checkups. Smoking can increase your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis, so it's vital to quit if possible. You may also want to consider using an antibacterial mouthwash with fluoride to kill bacteria before they have time to develop into plaque!
If you're looking for a periodontist in the Kansas City area, contact your periodontist today.
